Colonics 

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Microbiome Science

when scientist successfully sequenced the human genome, they discovered that humans have about 23,000 genes,

which is substantially fewer then they expected.  This finding initially cause scientists to shake there heads in disbelief and created a situation that became referred to as the "genome complexity conundrum"

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The challenge was due to the following facts. Whereas humans have about 23,000 genes, the common rice plant (Oryza sativa) has about 45,000 genes.  This led scientists to scratch their heads and say or think, "if we humans are as complex and evolved as we think we are, how can it be that a we only have half as many genes as a common rice plant?"

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The answer to the genome complexity conundrum began to emerge when scientists discovered that the intestinal tract of most humans is home to an estimated 100 trillion bacteria,  A human harbors from 500-1,000 different species of bacteria and these bacteria contain over 3.3 million non-repeating gents.  This means that over 99% of the DNA in your body is the DNA of your bacteria.  This explains why humans "get by" with only 23,0000 genes.  Bacteria utilize the information contained in their vast amount of DNA to produce compounds that are responsible for directing and regulating a great deal of the functioning of the human body.  This explains why it is so critically important for people to learn how to create and maintain a healthy microbiome.  Your bacteria are involved, either directly or indirectly, in the regulation and control of much of what happens in your body.

 

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Thinking about or planning to get a colon cleanse? Also known as colon irrigation, a colonic is an infusion of water meant to flush and cleanse the colon of buildup or toxins.

Getting a colonic is a great way to detox, especially at the start of each new season.

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Colonic irrigation is a complementary cleansing process where warm water passes into the colon and carries out loose fecal debris and waste to effectively flush the colon.

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Before having colonic irrigation, the therapist will ask you about your medical history to check if you have any health problems that might make the treatment inadvisable. During the procedure, you lie on your side while warm water is passed into your bowel through a tube inserted into your rectum. The water circulates through your colon, and waste products are passed out of your body through the tube. It usually takes around 30-45 minutes. 

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How does it work?

"We were never designed to eat three meals a day, with snacks and the amount of sugar and processed foods that are now ubiquitous in our diets.  Our digestive systems are overloaded and many modern illnesses are lifestyle related.  Prevention is key and people should spend more time and money on health habits and enhancers.

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'Inside out beauty' is a term coined by the beauty industry with skincare brands avidly innovating skincare that works from the inside out but there is no better, physical approach than a colonic. "Your entire body is linked to the gut. Every system has a link back to your intestine and what happens on the inside is reflected on the outside," says Vernon.

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Our understanding of the gut microbiome (gut flora) and its link to other body functions such as immunity, human metabolism and nutrition has increased over the last 10 years allowing us to further understand how important it is to cleanse the gut. "Since our digestive system is closely linked with the rest of the body's functions, colon therapy  can also support symptoms such as headaches, allergies, acne and improve mental and physical sluggishness," says Vernon.  

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Does it wash out all the good bacteria? 

One of the greatest negative connotations associated with colon hydrotherapy is the hearsay idea that it strips all the natural and good bacteria from your gut. "It's false. If it did strip all the healthy good stuff, then I wouldn't do this job," says Vernon. "It's simply not possible to wash out two kilos of bacteria that are largely located in the mucus membrane of the colon. It is, however, more damaging to keep old fecal waste inside," she says. 

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How often should you have a colonic?

"Ideally, three over the course of a few weeks is best as it enables a more thorough cleanse.  After that, every client is unique," advises Vernon. Obviously, the 25-year-old who's bowels open twice a day is very different to the 45-year-old who goes three times a week.

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Top tips | Get a good gut feeling

Garlic: eat it raw for allicin – nature’s best antibiotic.

Kefir: whether made with cow’s, goat’s or coconut milk, this serves beneficial bacteria directly to the gut.

Miso: fermented soy beans are a great source of beneficial bacteria.

Bone broth: packed with essential amino acids that provide the nutrients to support a healthy and robust gut membrane.

Unpasteurised cheese: full of gut-friendly probiotics.

Sourdough bread: the dough is fermented, so it contains beneficial bacteria.

Sauerkraut: one half-cup serving provides trillions of probiotics.

Fruit and vegetables: sweet potatoes, beets, berries and leafy green brassicas such as broccoli are good sources of fiber and antioxidants to support the gut.

Coconut oil: antimicrobial, antifungal and anti-parasitic, this delicious creamy oil helps fight disease-creating bacteria in the gut.

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